Mårhøj / Snavehøjen Neolithic Passage Grave
Atmospheric 5,000‑year‑old passage grave in the fields of Hindsholm, blending big‑sky countryside views with an intimate Stone Age burial chamber.
Rising gently from farmland near Martofte on Funen’s Hindsholm peninsula, Mårhøj (also known as Snavehøjen) is one of Denmark’s largest and best‑preserved Neolithic passage graves. Around 5,000 years old, this grass‑covered mound hides a 10‑metre stone chamber reached via a low, narrow 7‑metre passage. Its atmospheric interior, sweeping views towards the fjord and tranquil rural setting make it a compelling stop for history lovers and curious families exploring North Funen.
A brief summary to Mårhøj/Snavehøjen
- Martofte, 5390, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring a small torch or headlamp; the 10‑metre stone chamber is very dark once you leave the entrance behind.
- Wear sturdy, closed shoes as access involves walking on field tracks and a low, uneven passage into the mound.
- Visit on a clear day to combine the interior experience with far‑reaching views from the top of the mound.
- Pack an extra layer; the interior of the stone chamber stays cool and slightly damp even in warm weather.
- Combine your visit with other Hindsholm sights, such as coastal viewpoints and small village churches, for a full day out.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Kerteminde or Odense
Driving is the most flexible way to reach Mårhøj / Snavehøjen. From Kerteminde the journey to the Martofte area typically takes about 25–35 minutes, while from Odense it is usually 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. Roads are paved and straightforward, and there is informal roadside parking near the access track to the mound, but no marked car park. There are no road tolls, and fuel is the only cost; budget around 40–80 DKK in fuel for a return trip from Kerteminde and 70–120 DKK from Odense, depending on vehicle efficiency.
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Regional bus plus short walk
From Kerteminde or Odense, regional buses operate towards the Hindsholm peninsula and Martofte, usually with a change in Kerteminde or Munkebo. Travel time is commonly 60–90 minutes in total, depending on the specific route and connection. Expect to pay roughly 30–60 DKK one way for an adult ticket within the region. Bus services are less frequent in the evenings and on weekends, so checking timetables in advance is important. From the nearest bus stop in the Martofte area, you should be prepared for a walk of at least 1–2 kilometres on minor rural roads and field paths, which are not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
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Bicycle from Martofte and Hindsholm
Cycling to Mårhøj / Snavehøjen is a rewarding option in good weather. From Martofte village the ride is typically 10–20 minutes along quiet country roads with light traffic and gentle hills. From Kerteminde, a longer but scenic route across Hindsholm might take 60–90 minutes each way for an average cyclist. Surfaces are mostly paved, with some short stretches on gravel or farm tracks near the mound. There is no dedicated bike parking at the site, so you will need to secure your bicycle along the field edge. This option is effectively free if you already have a bike; renting one in the region usually costs from about 100–200 DKK per day.
Mårhøj/Snavehøjen location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Mårhøj/Snavehøjen
Ancient Stone Chamber in the Fields of Hindsholm
Set in gently rolling fields just outside Martofte, Mårhøj / Snavehøjen looks at first like a simple, grass‑covered hill rising from the farmland. Step closer, and an inconspicuous opening reveals this is in fact one of Denmark’s most impressive Neolithic passage graves, dating back roughly 5,000 years to around 3000 BC. The mound stands slightly elevated, offering a subtle but commanding presence in the landscape. The site is free to access and always open, inviting unhurried exploration at any time of day. A short walk along a farm track leads you to the base of the mound, where the low entrance waits. Sheep, crops and big skies form the backdrop, underlining how closely prehistory and present‑day rural life still sit side by side here.Inside Denmark’s Largest Single‑Chamber Burial Mound
Mårhøj is known as the largest single‑chamber burial mound in Denmark, and its interior is surprisingly spacious once you make it through the narrow approach. A roughly 7‑metre passage leads into a chamber about 10 metres long, constructed from 18 upright stones that support seven huge capstones. These massive blocks form a monumental stone room high enough for most adults to stand upright in the centre. The floor is sandy and slightly uneven, and the walls are cool and damp to the touch. Light filters in only faintly from the entrance, so bringing a torch is highly recommended. As your eyes adjust, the shapes of the stones emerge from the gloom, and the scale of the construction becomes clear. It is an intimate space, yet impressive in its engineering, assembled without metal tools thousands of years ago.Landscapes, Views and the Logic of Place
Climb to the top of the mound and the builders’ choice of location makes sense. From here you can enjoy wide views over the surrounding countryside, with glimpses towards nearby waters and the varied coastline of the Hindsholm peninsula. The hill feels deliberately placed as a marker in the landscape, visible from afar and aligned with natural lines of sight. The surrounding area is a patchwork of fields, hedgerows and small farms, with the sea never far away. On clear days the light is sharp and bright, while in softer weather the mound takes on a more mysterious character. Wind is common here, rustling the grasses and emphasising the exposed, almost ceremonial position of the site.Rituals, Memory and Preservation
As a Neolithic burial monument, Mårhøj was likely used for repeated burials and rituals over generations. The passage design allowed people to enter the chamber, place or rearrange bones and grave goods, and then close the entrance again. Standing inside today, it is easy to imagine flickering firelight and the muted sounds of ceremonies held in honour of ancestors. The mound was officially protected in the late 19th century, helping to preserve its structure for modern visitors. Information about the site’s age and construction is often available through regional heritage boards and local tourism materials, giving helpful context to what you see in front of you. Despite this, the site retains a raw, unsanitised feel; there are no elaborate facilities, just the monument and its landscape.Visiting Practicalities and Atmosphere
Visiting Mårhøj is a simple, low‑key experience. Expect a short walk over field paths that can be muddy or uneven, so sturdy shoes are useful. The entrance passage is low and requires crouching or crawling, making it unsuitable for those with limited mobility or severe claustrophobia. Inside, the air is cool even in summer, so an extra layer can be welcome if you linger. There are no services directly at the mound, but restrooms, food and drink can be found in and around Martofte and elsewhere on Hindsholm. Many travellers combine a stop here with other coastal viewpoints, small churches and village mills on the peninsula, turning it into a relaxed day out with a strong sense of local character.Combining Nature, History and Quiet Reflection
What makes Mårhøj / Snavehøjen particularly rewarding is the blend of natural setting and deep time. You can sit on the grassy slope listening to birds and distant farm sounds, then step a few metres to be inside a Stone Age burial chamber. It is an inviting place for quiet reflection, gentle photography and informal storytelling with children. Whether you stay briefly or linger, the mound offers a tangible connection to Denmark’s early farmers and their beliefs about death, memory and the land. In a region known for its mild countryside and long coastline, this ancient monument provides a striking focal point—and a reminder that these fields have been home to people and their stories for millennia.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Enebærodde
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A pristine coastal peninsula where Denmark's largest heath meets the fjord—nature in its purest form.
Befrielsessten i Skalkendrup
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Odense St.
24.6 km
Central rail and bus hub of Funen, Odense Station links Denmark’s mainlines with the city’s historic heart, light rail and cultural sights in one integrated complex.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
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A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
25.0 km
A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
Oceania
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A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
visit
25.1 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Tidens Samling
25.4 km
Tidens Samling in Odense brings Danish history to life with interactive rooms, authentic vintage décor, and immersive exhibits tracing daily life from 1900 to 1980.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
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Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
The Sea Horse
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Funen Opera
25.6 km
Funen Opera in Odense captivates with cutting-edge performances, Danish premieres, and welcoming vibes—an essential destination for culture and music on Funen.
Munke Mose
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Discover Slottsträdgården, Malmö's ecological garden oasis, featuring themed gardens, cultural events, and a charming café, all nestled behind historic Malmöhus Castle.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
25.6 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
Munke Mose Park
25.7 km
Award-winning maritime museum ingeniously sunk into a former dry dock at Helsingør, offering interactive exhibitions on Denmark’s seafaring history next to Kronborg Castle.
TheDoorOdense
26.2 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fyns Hoved
7.4 km
Wind-shaped cliffs, rare coastal nature and wide sea horizons meet at Funen’s far northern tip, where Fyns Hoved gathers the essence of Danish coastal landscape.
Gabet | Lodshuse
7.5 km
Wind, current and big skies at the narrow, stony gateway where Odense Fjord meets the open sea on Funen’s quiet north coast.
Enebærodde Fyr
7.9 km
A modest white tower at the very tip of Enebærodde, where Odense Fjord meets the Kattegat and wide skies, strong currents and heathland create a wild coastal feel.
Romsø
9.4 km
A small, uninhabited Danish island of forest, shoreline and quiet wildlife, Romsø offers a tranquil, car-free escape just a short boat ride from Kerteminde.
Johannes Larsen Museum
11.4 km
An intimate artist’s home on a hill above Kerteminde, where luminous bird paintings, preserved interiors, garden paths and sea views bring Funen’s coastal light to life.
Østfyns Museer
12.1 km
Et levende museumsfællesskab, hvor købstadsgårde, kunstnerhjem, vikingeskib og slotsmiljøer tilsammen fortæller den mangfoldige historie om Østfyn.
The Ship Burial Mound
13.0 km
Step into a reconstructed burial mound above Kerteminde Fjord and gaze down on Denmark’s only preserved Viking ship grave, resting where a 10th‑century king was laid to sail beyond.
The Viking Museum Ladby
13.1 km
Denmark's only Viking ship grave—step into a 10th-century king's tomb and explore a thousand years of Norse history.
Sortehusene
18.5 km
Living history museum in Odense where you can step into 19th-century rural Denmark, explore authentic farm buildings, and experience Funen’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Seden Strand
18.7 km
Modest local beach on Odense Fjord, where quiet swims, big skies and new coastal nature projects meet everyday life at the water’s edge.
Jordrummet - et af fem grønne læringsrum
19.2 km
A modest open-air classroom on Odense’s rural edge, Jordrummet invites hands-on encounters with soil, fields, and quiet green space between town and countryside.
Hans Hulehånd af Thomas Dambo
20.7 km
Hunt for a hidden giant troll crafted from recycled dreams in Odense's enchanted forest.
Lumby Mølle
21.8 km
Working 1820 village windmill on Odense’s northern edge, where historic machinery, apple gardens and lively seasonal events bring rural Denmark to life.
Besættelsesmuseum Fyn... Besættelsesmuseum Fyn er kun åben den første søndag i måneden fra kl 11 til 15.
23.0 km
Compact but powerful war museum near Odense airport, revealing how Funen lived, resisted and endured during the German occupation from 1940 to 1945.
Cultural-botanical Garden
23.0 km
A tranquil 10-hectare botanical sanctuary housing 13,000 plant species and Denmark's finest birch and fern collections.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Rudolf Mathis ApS
12.3 km
Refined harborfront seafood in a former fisherman’s house, where Kerteminde’s maritime history meets contemporary Nordic-French gastronomy and wide harbor views.
Banjo's
22.2 km
Unpretentious Odense grillbar serving classic Danish smørrebrød, hotdogs, burgers and ribbensteg in a casual, everyday setting on Sandhusvej.
Mona Lisa Pizzeria
23.1 km
Casual roadside pizzeria in Nyborg serving generous pizzas, grills and pasta with daily afternoon-to-evening opening and a strong focus on takeaway and delivery.
Restaurant Aro
23.6 km
Michelin-starred Nordic cuisine where flawless technique meets creative vision in intimate Odense.
Restaurant Sezer v/Askin
24.0 km
Cosy Odense neighborhood steakhouse and Italian-inspired eatery serving generous plates, grilled favorites and comfort classics in a warm, easygoing atmosphere.
Den Lille Kabys
24.1 km
Hearty Danish comfort food in a former harbour weighing station, serving generous weekday lunches steps from the water at Odense Havn.
Restaurant Næsbyhoved Skov
24.2 km
Woodland restaurant by Odense Harbour, pairing classic Danish cuisine and seasonal menus with leafy views, bright banquet rooms and easy access to forest paths.
Restaurant Nordatlanten ApS
24.4 km
Refined North Atlantic cuisine and harbour views meet under one roof at Odense’s Nordatlantisk Hus, where seasonal ingredients and Nordic design shape a memorable meal.
Giraffen
24.6 km
Hearty Danish comfort food and a casual bar atmosphere right inside Odense’s main station, ideal for hungry travelers and locals on the go.
Grønttorvet
24.6 km
Centuries-old Danish inn on Odense’s Sortebrødre Torv, serving hearty traditional dishes with a generous dose of hygge in the city’s atmospheric old town.
Restaurant Under Lindetræet
24.7 km
Intimate fine dining in a 1771 townhouse opposite Hans Christian Andersen’s home, where seasonal Danish cuisine meets softly lit Odense history.
Café Edderfuglen på Røsnæs
24.7 km
Farm-to-table dining on Denmark's scenic Røsnæs peninsula, where local ingredients meet culinary artistry.
Den Gamle Kro A/S
24.7 km
Historic timbered inn in central Odense serving elevated Danish classics in candlelit rooms and a charming courtyard, ideal for both intimate meals and celebrations.
La Dolce Vita | Fashion Cafe
24.8 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and café in central Odense, serving classic pizzas, pastas and antipasti in warm, informal surroundings from evening until late.
Brasserie Bordeaux
24.8 km
A classic French brasserie in central Odense, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with thoughtful wines and cocktails in warm, candlelit surroundings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Høkeren
12.1 km
Step into a meticulously preserved 1900s general store brimming with authentic period treasures and forgotten everyday objects.
Red Cross Op Shop
23.6 km
Sustainable secondhand shopping supporting humanitarian aid in central Odense.
Butik Pulvis
23.7 km
A cosy Odense vintage shop where estate finds, Danish design and everyday curiosities are carefully curated into a calm, characterful treasure trove.
Den Lille Vandal
23.7 km
A cosy Odense shelf market where local families trade gently used children’s clothes, toys and gear, blending everyday practicality with a sustainable, community feel.
Klassisk Design
23.8 km
An intimate Odense showroom dedicated to restored Danish design classics, where mid‑century furniture by iconic architects finds a new life in contemporary homes.
Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE
23.8 km
Educational art celebrating history's most influential figures in contemporary design.
Dorthe Riber - Trend of Wear
23.8 km
Owner-run Odense boutique offering Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion, warm personal service and carefully chosen pieces on lively Skibhusvej.
Veda Womenswear Denmark
23.8 km
A cozy neighborhood womenswear boutique in Odense C, offering a curated rack of wearable Danish-style pieces in a calm, morning-only shopping atmosphere.
ButikZoom
24.1 km
Industrial-chic furniture and décor in a former Odense industrial setting, blending raw materials, moody lighting and Nordic restraint into a compact design showcase.
Baggårdsbutikken
24.1 km
Curated vintage and secondhand fashion in the heart of Odense's city center.
Asian Stitching & Applied Arts v / Hong Diem Phan
24.3 km
A small Odense atelier where Asian tailoring craft, careful alterations and garment repair give your favourite clothes a better fit and a longer life.
aneBane
24.3 km
A cosy women’s boutique and sewing studio in a quiet Odense street, blending curated Scandinavian style with personal, small-scale craftsmanship.
Look At This
24.3 km
A small, curated clothing store tucked inside a redbrick former textile factory, where Odense’s industrial past meets calm, contemporary Scandinavian style.
Butik Nordatlanten i Odense
24.4 km
Small but beautifully curated harbour shop in Nordatlantisk Hus, showcasing design, crafts and delicacies from Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Det Gamle Apotek POP UP - Rosengårdcentret
24.5 km
A cosy Det Gamle Apotek pop-up in Rosengårdcentret, filling Odense’s biggest mall with Danish Christmas charm, nostalgic décor and atmospheric Scandinavian hygge.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Vandpibe Cafe Odense - Casablanca lounge cafe
22.8 km
Cozy Odense shisha lounge blending Middle Eastern café culture with Danish hygge, soft music, and long, sociable evenings over fragrant hookah and drinks.
Ungarsk Vinstue
24.2 km
A warmly worn, dog-friendly brown bodega in central Odense, where cheap beer, local regulars and analog pub life keep a slice of old Denmark quietly alive.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
24.6 km
A small, steadfast neighborhood beer bar in Odense C where inexpensive drinks, local regulars, and a laid-back dive-bar atmosphere tell their own quiet story.
Lørups Vinstue
24.6 km
Old‑school Odense pub with red‑checked tablecloths, cheap beers and sing‑along classics, where students, locals and night owls start – and often finish – a night out.
Rabalder Bar Odense
24.6 km
A small, homely Odense bar styled like grandma’s living room, serving easygoing drinks and sing‑along hits in the heart of the city’s weekend nightlife.
The Flower and the Bee
24.6 km
Experience Odense's vibrant nightlife at The Flower and the Bee, a premier weekend dance bar offering quality cocktails and dynamic music in a lively atmosphere.
Kick Off - Sportspub
24.6 km
Buzzing Odense sports pub with wall-to-wall screens, cold beer and classic bar games, perfect for catching the big match in relaxed, local surroundings.
Sir Club
24.7 km
Long‑running Odense beer bar with 27 taps, quiz nights and a relaxed, lived‑in atmosphere where specialty brews and come‑as‑you‑are evenings take the spotlight.
Den Lille Kro Odense
24.8 km
A classic Odense brown bar with history in its walls, cold beer on tap and a warmly worn, neighborhood atmosphere that feels instantly familiar.
June Bar
25.0 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
Grand Bar & Lounge
25.1 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
25.1 km
Urban craft beer sanctuary on Odense’s Gråbrødre Plads, pouring rotating specialty brews, free popcorn and laid-back good times from afternoon until late night.
Den Brølende And
25.2 km
Odense’s roaring dance basement where karaoke Thursdays, sing-along party hits and shared buckets of cocktails fuel carefree, late-night dancing on tables.
City Club
25.2 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Champagniet
25.2 km
Intimate champagne bar in Odense’s old town, pairing carefully curated bubbles with cosy hygge vibes and small plates made for slow, sparkling evenings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
- Remote
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
